“Yes. You must hear it manfully. Can you stand the shock of sudden news?”
Albert felt at this moment as if all his fond hopes were suddenly blasted. He clasped hands, and said—
“The news is bad?”
“I said not so.”
“Then—then—”
“Not to keep you longer in suspense, young sir, I will tell you of the strangest circumstance that ever I encountered. The man who came to me for pecuniary assistance—that very man who I, from charitable motives, wished you to follow—”
Albert drew his breath short and thick, as he gasped, and said,—
“Go on, sir, I pray you. That man?”
“Is Jacob Gray.”
“God of Heaven! My heart told me so.”